Frequently Asked Questions

It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.

It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.

17

What should I do if I get a ticket?

<div class="ExternalClass1DF02061373A48948C40BA20B789DA27"><p>If it is a valid violation, please pay it by following the directions on the ticket or envelope. If you believe it was issued in error, you may contest the ticket. Instructions for challenging a ticket can be found on the ticket, or visit the City of Phoenix website for more information.</p></div>

46

What types of information may the employee release to the Verifier?

<div class="ExternalClass44319E0AC47449FC9FB3A801C11C1499">There are two types of verifications; "Employment Only" and "Employment and
Income."
<p>1. Employment Verification releases your basic employment information - job
title, job status and dates of employment.<br>2. Employment and Income
Verification releases your basic employment information and salary information.
Your salary information includes your base salary, the date and amount of your
last salary increase, the year-to-date wage history for the current year and the
two previous years.</p></div>

49

What is the difference between a PIN and a salary key?

<div class="ExternalClassC2A6FBE56FF64838A6DC9E570A6656FF"><p>​Your PIN number should not be provided to anyone, much like the PIN you may use
at your bank. You can change your PIN at any time. Your Salary Key is created
only when you wish to release your payroll information to a lender. The Salary
Key will expire in 180 days, or you can delete your Salary Key at any time,
based on your preference. You will need to create a separate Salary Key for each
lender if you are shopping for loans, for example.</p></div>

58

I see the W-2 reprint service is available on the Work Number web site. Is this a service available to City employees?

<div class="ExternalClassF20DA63FCB9C4FE598435C22661885C5"><p>​No. Neither city employees nor employment verifiers can receive this information
from the Work Number web site. You can request a copy of your W-2 using the
eCHRIS self-service feature, Payroll and Compensation. If you are having trouble
logging into eCHRIS, please contact the Help Desk at 602-534-4357.</p></div>

41

What if I give my PIN to someone by mistake?

<div class="ExternalClass9C7CD16EAF9D441096A3BD7066534FC7"><p>Once you have logged in you can change your PIN by clicking on Change PIN, in the
box on the left of the screen, under My Account.</p></div>

43

What's next?

<div class="ExternalClassA39571473A074DB6B708EEE48ABB60F3">You'll be asked to select one of the following options:
<blockquote><p>Option 1: Prove your employment and income. You will create a Salary Key to
release your salary information. This code is different from your PIN. Your
salary key is your authorization to release confidential wage information, and
it is valid for 180 days unless you delete it sooner.<br><br>Option 2: Prove
your employment only. This option allows lenders to verify your job title and
dates of employment.<br><br>Option 3: Create a Salary Key. The system will
assign you a Salary Key to provide to your lender. Don't give your lender your
PIN number.<br><br>Option 4: Instructions. This option will provide you with
more explanations about the system.</p></blockquote></div>

47

How do I make these types of verification available to the Verifier?

<div class="ExternalClass1D21E461F4064722B671BCBD8CC08908"><p>​The employee should provide the Verifier with the toll-free Verifier Information
Line 1-800-367-5690 or the Internet address, www.theworknumber.com. The Verifier
should also be given the City of Phoenix employer code: 11636. .</p></div>

37

What Is It?

<div class="ExternalClassEF9358FC25E74754BF67D605915047A5"><p>​When someone wants to verify employment information you submitted to them, such as
a loan officer when applying for a home loan, the requestor generally calls the
Human Resources Department. In the past, this manual process often took several
days. All verification requests are now handled by phone or Internet through the
City's vendor, The Work Number (EQUIFAX).</p></div>

40

What is the Work Number?

<div class="ExternalClass3B6A894B36C2452697D0169518B0EB8A"><p>The You can access the Work Number through the website (www.theworknumber.com,
or by telephone,<br>1-800-367-2884. You will need to set up a PIN number so you
can use this system. First you will enter your birthdate to create a PIN, using
MMDDYYYY(4 digits), without using slashes or hyphens as date separators.</p></div>

42

What's next?

<div class="ExternalClass5FA5B6533F924B79BA06806B565CB303">'ll be asked to select one of the following options:
<blockquote><p>Option 1: Prove your employment and income. You will create a Salary Key to
release your salary information. This code is different from your PIN. Your
salary key is your authorization to release confidential wage information, and
it is valid for 180 days unless you delete it sooner.</p></blockquote></div>

44

Will Human Resources or Payroll still verify my employment if I call them?

<div class="ExternalClass63BC26F0BDEA46189EBFF71A2234688B"><p>​No, but they can help you get that information by directing you to the Internet
site, www.theworknumber.com</p></div>

45

What types of information may the employee release to the Verifier?

<div class="ExternalClassDB13D78ADFB64CE48849D53E28865EC9"><p>​There are two types of verifications; "Employment Only" and "Employment and
Income."</p></div>

48

Why did the City choose to use an outside agency to provide employment verification services?

<div class="ExternalClassD534176F20874DACB444D96BD852BBC9"><p>​The City of Phoenix is always looking for ways to improve service to employees,
and automated services are one way to provide faster, secure employment
verification services. The automated service allows employees control over who
they release income information to and when they choose to release it. Our
manual process could not provide these options.</p></div>

51

Can I find out who has requested my information?

<div class="ExternalClassE007CF14BD7A4BF787212F78D18C865C"><p>​You may request to be notified by e-mail when a verifier has accessed your
employment information through the Web site.</p></div>

52

How long does it take for the system to reflect changes in my employment status?

<div class="ExternalClassD974EAF9772041D6B450C476785431ED"><p>​After a change has occurred in your employment status, it will take
approximately 10 days for the new information to be reflected in the system.</p></div>

53

What if I apply for government assistance such as housing, food stamps, etc. Can government agencies verify my employment free of charge

<div class="ExternalClassC566F5269FED4F47B5D540D48A400F27"><p>​Yes, government agencies can use the employment verification service without
paying a fee. While applying for government assistance, you will be asked to
authorize the release of your personnel / payroll information with your
signature in order to be approved.</p></div>

54

I'm planning to retire soon. Who will verify my earnings?

<div class="ExternalClassFC87F986DD78418C8D7426A498B64F6B"><p>​The Retirement Office is responsible for verifying the earnings of retirees.</p></div>

55

Is there a charge for a verifier to obtain the verification of an employee's employment information?

<div class="ExternalClass66FC8A5AA3494E64800C03BD2160EE22"><p>​Verifiers pay a fee directly to the Work Number for employment verifications.
City of Phoenix employees should not ever have to pay a fee. If you believe you
have been charged a fee by a lender or other requestor for the verification of
your employment, please contact Human Resources at 602-262-6608 or via e-mail at
<a href="mailto:hrcenter@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0066cc">hrcenter@phoenix.gov</font></span></a>.
The vendor - The Work Number - does not charge the City a fee for providing this
service.</p></div>

56

What security measures are in place to protect my personal information?

<div class="ExternalClassA5B1B65A52D84E8091AF6565546E1F9E"><p>​The database system that stores employees' personal data is isolated from the
Internet with firewall technology and personal data is not stored on the Web
server. Transactions conducted using the Web application are encrypted; security
patches are installed as well. You can find more information about the security
of The Work Number by logging onto their website, <a href="http://www.theworknumber.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0066cc">www.theworknumber.com</font></span></a>.</p></div>

57

After reading about other companies that supply customer information to telemarketers, I'm worried about protecting my information. Can The Work Number sell my information?

<div class="ExternalClassEAC0111B9C3B4EB4AE88AF7B8319D9E3"><p>​No. Employee data is the property of the City of Phoenix and cannot be used or
transferred for any purpose other than employment verification services.</p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass284E18DCB7674A79AB4C72BB60D65F90">See <a href="http://www.theworknumber.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0066cc">www.theworknumber.com</font></span></a> on the Internet. The system also has
several security features on its Web site. They are:
<ul><li>During the verifier's transactions with the Web application, all sensitive
information is secured with 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption (the
highest level currently available) using a VeriSign Digital Server Certificate.
This certificate verifies that the verifier has connected to the system and that
the transmission has not been diverted to an impostor system.
</li><li>The Work Number's internal network is isolated from the public Internet
using both hardware and software firewall technology. Traffic between The Work
Number's private network and the Internet is strictly limited.<br>
</li><li>The Internet applications used by The Work Number run on dedicated Web
servers using current software with the latest security patches. The servers are
configured for secure Internet usage according to the vendor's published
guidelines and established industry procedures.<br>
</li><li>Verifier data, including credit card numbers, and employee data, such as
Social Security numbers, is not stored on the Web server. The Work Number's
database systems are connected to the private internal network only.
</li><li>The Work Number's Web server is verified as virus-free by a leading
anti-virus software package. The virus prevention files are updated regularly. </li></ul></div>

38

How Does It Work?

<div class="ExternalClass79CCE68FD2B64E8EB00D4C314A773EC9"><p>​Verifiers needing to verify employment, process home mortgages, approve loans or
credit requests have immediate access to this information via calling the
Verifier Information Line, at 1-800-367-5690, or at the Internet address: <a href="http://www.theworknumber.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0066cc">www.theworknumber.com</font></span></a>
and providing the following employer code: 11636.</p><p>Employees who wish to use this service can easily set up their account in less
than 10 minutes over the phone or using the Internet. No information can be
released until this process has been completed. You will be asked to enter a
User ID, which is your Social Security number.</p></div>

50

How do I verify that the information provided about my employment is accurate?

<div class="ExternalClassC7BD1C006C684186848D6B7E0385BD9C"><p>​If you have a specific concern that your information may not be accurate, please
contact the Human Resources Department, Records Section, at 602-262-6608 or via
e-mail at <a href="mailto:hrcenter@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0066cc">hrcenter@phoenix.gov</font></span></a>, and we will verify that your data is
correct. Please keep in mind that updated data is sent to the Work Number after
each City payroll is confirmed. It is also important to remember that your
employment information is maintained with the vendor for specific, limited
purposes, and not all of your employment information is provided to them. The
City Human Resources and Finance departments are responsible for producing your
payroll, W-2s, and all other human resources transactions.</p></div>

3

When is on-street parking free?

<div class="ExternalClass56E09EE8CB7B49519796F083FA0041AB"><p>On-street metered parking is free overnight from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. every day. The city also currently has several hundred free on-street parking spaces (no parking meters) in the downtown area and in close proximity to major destinations.</p></div>

5

Why did the City adopt this new parking plan?

<div class="ExternalClass2DECAFC301F64E3CAEDBB3D696B16627"><p>In June 2014, the Mayor and City Council adopted this new policy for a demand-based pricing system, with a goal to improve parking space availability and increase turnover for business activity. This plan was adopted to encourage the use of garages and lots for long-term parking as well as alternative modes of transportation such as public transit and biking. For more information see <a href="/lawsite/Documents/5933--g.pdf" target="_blank">Phoenix City Code 36-31.1</a></p></div>

19

Does Phoenix have accessible parking spaces?

<div class="ExternalClassA44AC70DB242406BB256D3DC7869BF85"><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><font face="Source Sans Pro Bold"><img class="cop-rtePosition-1 ms-rtePosition-1" src="/streetssite/MediaAssets/Handicap.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:154px;" /></font></strong></span> </p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"></font><p class="cop-rteElement-Paragraph">Yes. Phoenix has several on-street accessible parking spaces throughout the downtown area. Each space is clearly marked with a special sign with the international symbol of access. Parking at an accessible space is governed by <a href="http://www.codepublishing.com/az/phoenix/?Phoenix36/Phoenix36149.html#36-149" target="_blank">Phoenix City Code 36-149</a> and <a href="http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/28/00884.htm&Title=28&DocType=ARS" target="_blank">Arizona Revised Statute 28-884</a>.​​</p></div>

30

What affect do changes to federal and state tax have?

<div class="ExternalClass907196AEB9994A4DB2723EE157A7F9E6"><p>Legislation changes can affect tax withholding amounts. These changes in federal
and state tax withholding could mean you receive a smaller refund next year, or
in some situations, not have sufficient amounts withheld, causing additional tax
to be paid at the end of the year. <strong>You should take steps to determine
whether the federal and state withholding amounts are appropriate for
you.</strong> A wide variety of factors can affect your withholding. Review your
current and year-to-date withholding amounts and discuss with your tax preparer
whether the amounts are appropriate for your personal situation. </p><p>
</p><p>If you would like to change your federal or Arizona State tax withholding
election, please complete appropriate form(s) and mail to COPERS, or log into
eCHRIS and electronically update your tax withholding preferences. Forms to
adjust federal or state tax withholdings are available on our forms page or they can be requested by
calling or visiting our office.</p></div>

8

Where do the parking meter revenues go?

<div class="ExternalClassB8ED6644004446AAB1CFB0DA1F8C0601"><p>All revenues collected go to the City’s General Fund to help pay for various services including new meter technology that allow customers to use credit cards. Revenues also help pay for essential City services such as police, fire, parks, streets, community and senior centers and graffiti removal throughout the city.</p></div>

15

Can I park in a Yellow Commercial Loading Zone?

<div class="ExternalClass48551FA7C1EE468BAE1EF2E349FCD826"> <p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><font face="Source Sans Pro Bold"><img class="cop-rtePosition-1 ms-rtePosition-1" src="/streetssite/MediaAssets/LoadingOnlySign.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:141px;height:206px;" /></font></strong></span>Yes, but pay close attention to the signs. In most cases, you may park at a yellow commercial loading zones after 5 pm. If a meter is present, you must pay from 5 pm to 10 pm in loading zones. You may not park in a loading zone between 7 am and 5 pm unless you have commercial plates and are engaged in legitimate loading activity.</p><p> </p></div>

21

What documents will be required at the time of retirement?

<div class="ExternalClass369A266F50244C7598F54B4E224E5186"><ul><li>Valid picture identification(s)</li><li>Original Social Security card (signed)</li><li>Spouse’s original Social Security card (signed)</li><li>Original or certified Birth Certificate or Current Passport</li><li>Spouse’s original or certified Birth Certificate or Current Passport</li><li>Original Marriage Certificate(s)</li><li>Evidence of name change if name on Birth Certificate differs from Marriage Certificate</li><li>Domestic Relations Order (DRO) affecting your benefit payments (if applicable)</li></ul></div>

23

What are some tips for employees getting ready to retire?

<div class="ExternalClassDEFA96C9969A4228AEAC900806989AA8"><ul><li>​Contact the Social Security Administration for a replacement card or any name changes to your current Social Security card.</li><li>Make sure you start gathering your required documentation early. Some documents may be difficult to obtain on short notice or you may find discrepancies and need to update your legal documents.</li><li>All original documents will be returned to you after copied by COPERS staff.</li></ul></div>

24

When are pension payments made?

<div class="ExternalClass6061453EAFF64405BD90BA0C6D7D733B"><p>​Pension payments are made once a month. Though we make every effort to ensure
your check is received, it may be to your advantage to sign up for direct
deposit. This will prevent a delay in receiving your pension benefit due the US
mail.</p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass8AF2B8349E04448DA9B693A3D6981C0D"><p>​The PEP provides for a permanent pension increase. Eligible retirees and survivors must have received 36 pension payments as of January 1st of the year being considered. </p><p>The increase is paid in the April 1st pension check, and retroactive to January
1st of the adjustment year. The PEP is not a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA);
it is subject to the Plan’s investment performance in excess of 8%. The increase
is not to exceed the Department of Labor Consumer Price Index
(CPI). </p></div>

27

What is the 13th Check

<div class="ExternalClass6BBBB0DB79774A05AE3F88C960AC70F8"><p>​The 13th Check is a supplement payment paid to eligible retirees, survivors, and
beneficiaries each year. It is based upon a predetermined formula and investment
returns, provided funds are available in the reserve. The 13th Check is limited
to one-half the increase in the CPI, but not less than one percent times your
annualized pension. <br><br>Payment of the 13th Check is pro-rated if you are
not retired a full year.</p></div>

28

How can retirees make changes or updates?

<div class="ExternalClass360D6EA253304215959252500AE28F8D"><p>​In order to make changes to your retirement information, please visit our Forms page to assist you in changing or updating any of the following:</p><ul><li class="first">Contact Information (address, phone number, etc.)</li><li>Designation of Beneficiary</li><li>Tax Withholding</li><li class="last">Direct Deposit </li></ul><p>Tax withholding changes and direct deposit changes can also be made using eCHRIS. <a href="http://employee.phoenix.gov/hr" target="_blank"><img class="ms-rte-paste-setimagesize" alt="eChris login button" src="/coperssite/MediaAssets/echrislogin.gif" style="margin:5px;width:100px;vertical-align:middle;float:none;" /></a> <br>Please note: Changes received after the 15th of the month may not take effect until after the 1st of the following month.</p></div>

29

Why is my amount different?

<div class="ExternalClass9901A043AC874F1CAD8760CE18555B7F"><p>​New insurance premiums take effect January 1st. Please note you may see a change
in your “net” due to the new premiums taking effect.</p></div>

1

When is metered parking enforced?

<div class="ExternalClass216DFBA170CF4F36B609B94624901A6F">Beginning <strong>Monday, August 18, 2014</strong>, all City of Phoenix meters and paystations will be enforced every day including holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. During this time, parking meter rates will remain at $1.50/hour until demand-based pricing is implemented (date to be determined).<br></div>

2

Is the City only raising rates or are rates being lowered as well?

<div class="ExternalClass692BB4E017FC4F40B40FF243D057DF57"><p>In addition to raising rates in some high demand areas and during certain times, the City will lower rates in some areas to less than the current rate of $1.50/hour. The City began the process of lowering all coin-only meters to $1.00/hour in September 2014. When demand-based pricing goes into effect, some downtown parking may be as low as $0.50/hour during off-peak times such as weekends and holidays.</p></div>

4

When and where will rates be lowest?

<div class="ExternalClass65F49C1B53694EE19F4146AA9A789DB6"><p>When demand-based pricing goes into effect, rates will generally be lower during non-event times and in lower parking demand areas, as determined by the results of parking occupancy studies.</p></div>

6

If I own a business downtown, how do I go about getting parking meter durations adjusted (e.g., from a 1-hour to a 2-hour meter)?

<div class="ExternalClassE210D911D10D42D19E43DB99E69DFCA7"><p>Businesses can contact Traffic Investigative Services staff at 602-262-4659 to request changes to parking durations that may improve parking supply or convenience for their customers. Staff will evaluate their requests which may include surveys of nearby business parking needs.</p></div>

7

Why were there three new parking zones adopted by City Council?

<div class="ExternalClass81F093E2FAD7432BBB6D1EEE2C33FAFD"><img src="/streetssite/MediaAssets/ParkingZone.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:519px;height:358px;" /><p>The three zones have different land use characteristics which results in varying parking demand. The adopted plan also helps to accommodate the varying parking demand in each zone and adjust pricing accordingly.</p></div>

9

How long can I park at my meter or paystation?

<div class="ExternalClassA227C4790D314026845EBC2A3E0A4F1D"><p>Time limits generally vary by location. Time limits at metered locations can range from 15 minutes to as long as 8 hours, depending on nearby business needs. In most areas, the maximum duration is 2 hours; however, some areas may have longer maximum durations during the evenings to accommodate business activity.</p></div>

10

What types of coins are accepted in meters and paystations?

<div class="ExternalClass4759FBC9EFFA4274B82A1AF43B7414F4"><p> The only coins accepted for payment in City of Phoenix meters and paystations are nickels, dimes, and quarters.</p></div>

11

Is it safe to use my credit card at a meter or paystation?

<div class="ExternalClassC23A1AE4374C47638B40CCB94AF96BB9"><p>Yes. Credit card transactions at metered locations are secure because they are PCI compliant. PCI is the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standard for protecting data. This requirement is designed to ensure that companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.</p></div>

12

My credit card is not being accepted by the meter or is stuck, what do I do?

<div class="ExternalClass13EB3E2144DD4370910B86E79E0BC399"><p>Please check to ensure that you are inserting your credit card into the meter correctly. To report a problem with a parking meter/paystation, please call 602-261-8090 or email <a href="mailto:parking.meters@phoenix.gov"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">parking.meters@phoenix.gov</span></a>. </p></div>

13

Who should I contact if my meter is broken?

<div class="ExternalClass94F3B320D5E1418F8442C431B7F867BD"><p>Please call 602-261-8090 or email <a href="mailto:parking.meters@phoenix.gov"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">parking.meters@phoenix.gov</span></a> and report it as a broken or malfunctioning meter/paystation. Be sure to move your vehicle to an operational metered location to avoid a parking ticket. Please remember that by reporting a malfunctioning meter or paystation, you are helping us keep the system operational, helping your fellow motorists and preventing yourself from being issued a parking ticket.</p></div>

14

Why are meters "hooded"?

<div class="ExternalClassA87C2BF5DED54239A26C6CB99EF25550"><p>Meters are "hooded" for various reasons in the City of Phoenix. Meters may be taken out of service for construction to allow workers to get materials in and out of a project area, to prevent vehicles from parking in a project or special event area, or for special permitted loading/unloading. The City makes every effort to minimize meter hooding downtown; however, this is often necessary for public safety or completion of important maintenance and construction projects.</p><p>Need a meter hooded for a special event or construction work? Please call 602-262-6235 with your request. </p></div>

31

Who can file?

<div class="ExternalClassED8BDCD77FF24DB9BD79E8B0FA21ED1D"><p>​<span class="body">Any rank and file City of Phoenix employee, authorized
representative, or the City of Phoenix may file a charge alleging a violation of
Phoenix City Code, Section 2-220 or Section 2-221.</span></p></div>

It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.